Thursday, July 5, 2007

Saruma henryi

Another cool plant in this pic from earlier this spring in my garden, Saruma henryi is a wild ginger relative from China. It is easy to grow in a shaded situation, and tolerates tree root competition. Unlike our native Asarums, the flower is conspicuous and the plant flowers for months, although the later flowers are not as showy as when they first appear, because the plant grows quite a bit larger. It will self seed, though not abundantly in my experience. Doesn't seem to be troubled by pests either. I haven't seen Saruma at local nursery outlets yet, but it is available from some of the better mailorder nurseries.

About Me

I'm a high school biology teacher with a passionate interest in plants for as long as I can remember. I have two horticulture degrees, BS and Ph.D. from Cornell and I've worked at the New York Botanical Garden in the past. My plant interests are quite simple: everything! Still, I have a special affection for South African plants, including, of course, pelargoniums (aka "geraniums").